5 years ago, 2014

Sixty-six children from Orange Park’s Grove Park Elementary graduate from the national D.A.R.E. program.

Supporters, donors and officials from the Town of Orange Park broke ground for the town’s newest playground between Town Hall and the Orange Park Fire Department headquarters that will be an inclusive playground that is handicap accessible and safe for children with limited mobility and special needs.

Despite nearly a dozen complaints from citizens, the Clay County Commission voted 4-1 to look into the feasibility of the Big League Dreams project.

10 years ago, 2009

 Facing a drastic budget cut, the Clay County School Board eliminated 450 jobs, including 270 teaching positions.

Despite a lawsuit filed by Roy Lyons, the Florida Supreme Court rules that Clay County will remain at five members elected from single-member districts.

Gavin Rollins and Paul Yates win seats on the Keystone Heights City Council. Rollins won his election, 139-136.

20 years ago, 1999

Orange Park Town Council prepares an ordinance that prohibits a junked car to be left for more than 72 hours.

Clay County Chamber of Commerce present “Spotlight Awards” to five school system employees and five students – Ashley Glass and David Broskie from Clay High, Kasey Gabel and Eileen Smith from Keystone Heights, John Hall and Dawn Powers from Middleburg, Kevin Garcia and Vicky Loehr from Orange Park and Christina Edwards and Melissa McCall from Ridgeview.

Orange Park High principal Jim Booth is one of five administrators who are reassigned by the Clay County School District. Booth served at Orange Park for 19 years. Others reassigned included: vice principal Raleigh Sapp and dean Connie Taylor, along with Green Cove Spring Elementary principal William Dunnavant and vice principal Merle Jent.

County commissioners express concern over the growing number of mobile homes along Blanding Boulevard near Middleburg since homeowners generally pay considerably less in property taxes.

30 years ago, 1989

Orange Park High principal Jim Booth is one of five administrators who are reassigned by the Clay County School District. Booth served at Orange Park for 19 years. Others reassigned included: vice principal Raleigh Sapp and dean Connie Taylor, along with Green Cove Spring Elementary principal William Dunnavant and vice principal Merle Jent.

Concerned Citizens of North Florida organize opposition over the state’s plan to build a Jacksonville to Tampa tollway since it would endanger the environment, and the money would be better spent repairing existing bridges and roads.

Tim Martin, the public information officer for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, earns the National Commission of Professional Law Enforcement Standards award by the National Association of Chiefs of Police.

40 years ago, 1979

The Clay High boys basketball team is eliminated by Ocala Vanguard, 36-32, in the state Class AAA tournament, just one game away from the semifinals.

Evelyn Cooper of Green Cove Springs becomes the new chairman of the Clay County Democratic Executive Committee.

Nancy Pieper is installed as the new president of the Green Cove Springs Junior Women’s Club.